Consumer&#39;s liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment



Oct. 16', 1934. P. s. ENDACOTT CQNSUMER'S LIQUEFIED GAS STORAGE AND UTILIZATION-EQUIPME I NT - Filed May 8, 1933 1 .3 FIG. 2.

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1 511 511E155 CITE Patented Oct. 16, 1934 CONSUMERS LIQUEFIED GAS STORAGE AND UTILIZATION EQUIPMENT Paul S. Endacott, Detroit, Mich., Phillips Petroleum Company, Oklm, a corporation of Delaware assignor to Bartlesville,

Application May a, 1933, Serial No. 670,044

12 Claims. (01.221435) This invention relates to equipment for the storage and utilization of liquefied gas, and more particularly to equipment well adapted for use by the consumer of such petroleum product as propane, used for heating and lighting purposes in and about the home, store, factory, etc.

Heretofore it has been the most general practice to service" customers with liquefied gas for domestic and analogous purposes, according to what is generally known as the one-drum and the two-drum systems.

According to the one-drum system, the customer has on his premises a drum, hereinafter called a tank, for storage of liquefied gas and other equipment for the utilization of the gas. An example of such equipment is shown in Patent No. 1,897,160, granted February 14, 1933 to the Phillips Petroleum Company on the invention of Paul S. Endacott. The customers equipment is generally serviced by the vendor transporting and introducing into the tank a supply of the' liquefied gas. In order to make reasonably sure that the customer will have at all times a ready supply of the liquefied gas in storage, without attention 5 on the part of the customer to the equipment,

trips are made periodically by truck to the customers equipment. By including a number of customers on a route, the service man may with more or less regularity, say every month, attend to the requirements of the customers, without the necessity of any attention whatsoever on the part of the consumer to the equipment. By a weighing operation the service man determines, first, the quantity of liquefied gas consumed and for which the customer is generally billed, and second, the quantity he has introduced into the tank to replenish the supply in storage. This system has many advantages mainly among which is the low investment in tanks. since only one tank is provided as a part of the customers equipment and it remains on the customers premises indefinitely. This is in contradistinctionto the twodrum system, where at least two tanks ordinarily form a part of the customer's equipment, althq gas is generally being drawn from but one of the tanks at a time. 4

The two-drum system involves a servicing operation on the part of the consumer as well as the vendor. The consumer, when he has utilized all of the liquefied gas in one tank, goes to the equipment and, by the manipulation of valves brings into use the second filled tank. He then notifies the vendor, as by mail or telephone, to come for the empty tank and replace it with a filled tank. The service man is thus required to -either make by use of a truck, a special trip to the customer's equipment or include it as a stop if traveling a route in orderto substitute a filled tank for that which has been emptied and to be in readiness to be drawn upon when the occasion CG arises. The two-drumsystem, it will be seen has high investment requirements, that is, at least two tanks for each customer, and expensive distributing costs. 1

Both the one-drum and two-drum" sys- ($5 tems are necessarily restricted to relatively small geographical areas which have high concentration of population beyond the gas mains, for it is unprofitable for. the vendor, or too expensive for the purchaser if these servicing trucks must travel (0 a considerable distance from the vendors service station or depot.

Altho not limited to such use, the present invention is particularly well adapted for operation where the customer is not necessarily a gas engineer, but may be merely the average, reasonably prudent person, familiar with such mechanisms as are frequently used in and about the home, on the farm; where the, consumer operates the liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment on his premises and looks after the transportation of the empty or partially empty tank to a supply depot or station, and a filled tank from such depot or station to his equipment. Thus liquefied gas may be made available to those persons located in rural sections where the cost of servicing of the customer's equipment according to the one-drum and two-drum systems above described would be prohibitive.

The principal objects of the present invention are, to provide consumers' equipment of the character described which has safety features to meet the many, if not all, contingencies incident to domestic use of this otherwise wild, high pressure liquefied gas, such as propane, and to partially conceal those parts which might be considered subject to abuse by the operator, or tinkering and tampering on the part of certain types of users, if such were not discouraged by their inaccessibility.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in..the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification, and

in which drawinsz- Figure 1 is a face view partly in elevation and partly in vertical section of customers equipment constructed according to. the present invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view on an enlarged up scale, on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary horizontal view on substantially the line 33 of Figure 2.

In the drawing, where similar characters designate similar parts thruout the views, A is a rigid support, such as the wall of a building; B a housing or cabinet adapted to be secured to the support A; C a tank for high pressure lique -fied gas, such as propane D a consumer's conduit line for low pressure gas, E means for delivering gas from tank C to line D at a reduced pressure;

F means for raising and lowering the means E tomers appliances where the gas is consumed. The wall of a building is therefore shown merely by way of example, it being understood that the equipment may be supported on a post or in any other manner to comply with local fire regulations, or may be attached to a portion of a vehicle, such as a truck or boat.

The housing or cabinet B comprises a main body portion 4, having an open side normally closed by a door 5 hinged as at 6, and may be open'at its bottom as shown at '7 for the reception of at least a portion of tank C. The main body portion 4 preferably comprisesa rear wall 8 and side walls 9 and 10, with a suitable top 11 supported by the walls 8, 9 and 10. It is pre ferred to provide a slot 12 in thecabinet or housing, as shown in Figure 1 to accommodate a-portion of" the signal device G as hereinafter set forth. Also, if desired, means 13 may be provided in the cabinet or housing to prevent circumferential movement of the tank about its vertical axis. In the example shown, such means 13 comprises web plates 14 and 15 carried by the main body portion 4 and door 5, respectively, these web plates bracing such portions of the housing or cabinet, and providing a non-circular opening for the reception of a non-circular portion of tank C, such as a protecting ring or collar 16, oval in plan.

The tank C preferably comprises an elongated cylindrical main body portion 17. closed at ends by head 18 and base 19, the former supporting the ring or collar 16 and the latter a foot ring 20 upon which the tank may restin a vertical position, when not in a suspended position spaced above the ground 21 as shown in Figure 1. This tank is made strong enough to contain a supply of liquefied gas 22 under high pressure as well as vapor 23 arising therefrom which is converted into a gas suitable for use in ordinary appliances, such as gas stoves, lighting fixtures, etc., by passage thru means E. The vapor 23 finds exit from tank C thru outlet connection 24.

Referring now to the consumer's conduit line D, as previously pointed out it is desirable to locate the equipment, in most instances, where it is least conspicuous, or where a relatively short low pressure line may be, installed, extending thru the wall of the building from the exterior to the interior, where it isconnected to appliances, not

shown in the drawing, 'and where the gas is consumed. With this end in view, the line D preferably comprises a pipe length 30 extending transversely thru the cabinet or housing B and secured thereto by a lug or plate 31; a removable closure 32 at one end of pipe 30, exteriorly of the housing; a union or other coupling 33 at the other end of pipe 30; and such other pipe fittings 34 as may be required to complete theinstallation. The union or coupling 33 is also exteriorly of 'a housing and this is interchangeable with the closure 32, so that the pipe fittings 34 may lead off from the cabinet or housing B at the side opposite to the showing in Figure 1, if desired, such as for instance, when a shorter line would then sufilce for connection with the appliances.

In order tocondition the high pressure vapor 23 in tank C, for use in the appliances, means E is provided and preferably comprises a pendently supported pressure reducing regulator 35 of any standard make or model, the regulator in the example shown being of disc-like formation, ,presenting a relatively large face 36 confronting the rear portion of door 5; means 37 providing an operative communication between the tank out-- let connection 24 and the regulator; and means 38 providing an operative communication between the regulator 35 and the consumers conduit. line D to deliver gasto the latter at a reduced pressure over that in tank C. The means 38 includes a flexible length of tubing 39, connected in any suitable manner as at 40 to the regulator, and preferably by means of a nipple 41, to pipe 30. This permits the regulator 35 to be raised and lowered by meansF and also swung to a limited extent when connecting the regulator to the tank.

Any suitable means may be provided for raising and lowering the tank. In the example such means comprises a bracket 45'; a hanger '46 guided by the bracket; a screw 47 connected to hanger 46 and movable relative to bracket 45; and a nut 48 for screw 47, by which the latter may be raised or lowered, depending upon the direction of circumferential movement of nut 48, which rests upon bracket 45.

(The device G preferably includes an indicator beam 50, comprising a sleeve section 51 and a stem section 52 slidable in section 51; a poise 53 rigid with the outer end portion of stem section 52; and a stirrup 54, by which the load is suspended on the indicator beam 50. This beam is suspended by support or hanger 46 in a manner common to beam scales. The stirrup 54 sus- .pends the regulator 35 thru eye bolt 55. It is to be noted that the stem section 52 may extend outwardly thru slot 12 in the cabinet or housing B where it, together with the poise 53 is visible for quite some distance. If the quantity of liquefied gas 22 in tank C overbalances poise 53, the indicator beam 50 assumes an upwardly extending position, diagonal to the horizontal; if the poise counterbalances the liquefied gas in the tank, the indicator beam is horizontal; and if the poise overbalances the quantity of liquefied gas in thetank, then the indicator beam assumes a diagonally and downwardly extending position. By sliding the stem section ofthe beam relative to the sleeve section, the consumer may arrange this indicator beam so that the poise 53 will overbalance the quantity of liquefied gas in the tank, when such quantity is relatively low and thus indicate that a further supply will soon be required. It is to be understood that the device G- may also serve as a scale, such as by the provision of graduations 70 on the stem section 52, cooperating with transversely an indicator 71 provided at a sight opening 71' on the sleeve section 51 of the indicator beam.

The low pressure relief valve H may be of any conventional type, connected to pipe 30 as by goose neck 72, this valve being located in the cabinet or housing B to-the rear of regulator 35 where it is to quite some extent concealed, this being one of the units which might be considered to be subject to abuse by the operator and in reality requires no attention on his part. The function of valve H is to prevent a pressure greater than say one pound per square inch to be built up in the low pressure chamber of the regulator 35 and therefore in the consumer's conduit line D.

It is to be noted that the lengthof flexible hose 39 is also located to the rear of the pressure regulator and ready access thereto is made diflicult, with the end in view that it shall not be tampered with by the consumer.

As a further precaution it is preferred to provide means '73 to confine the swinging movement of the regulator 35 to narrow limits, so as to facilitate attachment and detachment of the regulator with respect to the tank and to avoid damage to flexible tubing 39 as well as prevent ready access to relief valve H. This means preferably comprises an eye 74 secured to the rear portion of the regulator and an L-shaped member '75 secured to the pipe 30 and including an arm '76 extending downwardly thru eye 74 but normally free of engagement therewith, as shown in Figure 3. It is to be noted that, while means '73 does not interfere with the raising and lowering of the regulator and the tank, it does prevent the excessive swinging of the regulator about stirrup 54 and eye bolt 55 which suspend the regulator 35 below means F.

Prior to connecting the tank C for cooperation with other parts of the equipment, nut 48 is rotated so as to feed screw 47 downwardly, which lowersthe pressure regulator 35 and associated parts so that connection may be made between means 37 and the outlet connection 24 of the tank for flow of the vapor 23 to the pressure regulator upon opening of a suitable valve or valves, not shown in the drawing. After the connection has been properly made, nut 48 may be rotated in a counter direction to that described, causing the screw 47 to rise and thereby lifting the tank from the ground 21 to a position where the contents of the tank may be weighed, and the indicator arm 50 arranged for signalling purposes.

What is claimed is:

1. In consumers liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of an clon gated upright cabinet adapted to be secured to and project from a. vertical surface in'an elevated position; a tank for high pressure liquefied gas with at least its upper portion in said'cabinet; a consumers conduit line for low pressure gas including a pipe length attached to and extending thru the cabinet with its end portions exteriorly thereof, a detachable coupling at one end of said pipe length exteriorly of the cabinet, and a detachable closure at the other end of the pipe length exteriorly of the cabinet, said coupling and closure being interchangeable; and means in the cabinet for delivering gas from the upper portion of said tank to said pipe at a reduced pressure.-

2. In consumer's liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of an elongated upright cabinet including opposite side walls; a tank for high pressure liquefied gas with at least its upper portion in said cabinet: a consumers conduit line for low pressure gas including a pipe length attached to and extending transversely thru the cabinet and thru the said side walls thereof, a detachable coupling at one end of .said pipe length exteriorly of the cabinet,

and a detachable closure at the other end of the pipe length exteriorlyof-the cabinet, said coupling and closure being interchangeable; and means in the cabinet for delivering gas from the tank to said pipe ata reduced pressure.

3. In consumers liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of a cabinet;

a tank for high pressure liquefied gas; a consumers conduit line for low pressure gas including a pipe length attached to and extending transversely thruthe cabinet with its end portions exteriorly thereof, a detachable coupling at one 'end of said pipe length exterior of the cabinet, and a detachable closure at the other end of the pipe length exteriorly of the cabinet, said coupling and closure being interchangeable; and means in the cabinet for delivering gas from the tank to said pipe at a reduced pressure.

4. In consumers liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of a tank for high pressure liquefied gas, said tank provided with an outlet connection at the top thereof, a consumers conduit line, a pressure reducing regulator, means providing operative communication between the tank outlet connection and the regulator and between the regulator and the conduit line to deliver gas to the latter at a reduced pressure over that in the tank, said means including a flexible length of tubing between the regulator and conduit line, whereby the former maybe'raised and, lowered without disrupting flow of gas to said conduit line, and means operatively connected to said regulator for raising and lowering it and the tank, i

5. In consumers liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of a tank for high pressure liquefied gas,'said tank provided with an outlet connection at the top thereof, a-consumers conduit line, a' pressure reducing regulator, means providing operative communication between the tank outlet connection and the regulator, and between the regulator and the conduit line to deliver gas to the latter at a reduced pressure over that in the tank, said means including a flexible length of tubing between the regulator and conduit line, whereby the former may be raised and lowered without disrupting flow to said conduit line, a scale, .and means operatively connected to said scale and regulator for bodily raising and lowering the scale, regulator and tank for weighing the contents of the tank.

6. In consumers liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of a tank for high pressure liquefied gas, said tank provided with an outlet connection at the topthereof, a consumers conduit line, a pressure reducing regulator, means providing operative communication between the tank outlet connection and the regulator, and between the regulator and the conduit line to deliver gas to the latter at a reducedpressure over that in the tank, said means including a flexible length of tubing between the regulator and conduit line, whereby the former may be raised and lowered without disrupting flow to said conduit line, a signal device, and means operatively connected to said signal device and regulator for raising, lowering and suspending the signal device, regulator and tank, said signal device operable upon exit of a predetermined quantity of the vapors arising from the liquefied gas in said tank transversely thru the cabinet, a detachable coupling at one end of said pipe length exteriorly of the cabinet,- and a detachable closure at the other end of the pipe length exteriorly of the cabinet,

said coupling and closure interchangeable: a

pressure reducing regulator in said cabinet between said pipe length and said housing closure, said regulator having a relatively large face confronting the inside face of said housing closure; means providing operative communication between the tank outlet connection and the regulator, and between the regulator and the conduit line to deliver gas-to the latter at a reduced pressure over that in the tank, said means including a flexible length of tubing in the cabinet between the regulator and the pipe length, and -to the rear of the regulator whereby the regulator and tank may be raised and lowered without disrupting fiow of gas to the conduit line; and means in the cabinet operatively connected to said regulator for raising and lowering it and the tank.

'8. In consumers liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of a housing including an open side and bottom, and a movable closurefor the open side; a tank for high pressure liquefied gas, said-tank provided with an outlet connection at the top thereof and extending into the open bottom of the cabinet; a consumers conduit line for low pressure gas extending into the cabinet, a pressure reducing regulator in said tank between said conduit line and said closure, said regulator having .a relatively large face confronting'the inside face of said closure; means providing operative communication between thetank outlet connection and theregulator, and between the regulator and the conduit line to deliver gas'to the latter at a reduced pressure over that in the tank, said means including a flexible length of tubing in the cabinet between the regulator and said conduit line and to the rear of the regulator wherebythe regulator and tank may be raised and lowered without disrupting fiow of gas to said conduit line; and means in the cabinet operatively connected to said regulator for raising and lowering it and the tank.

9. In consumers liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of an upright cabinet, a tank for high pressure liquefied gas at least partially enclosed in said cabinet, a consumers conduit line for low pressure gas including a pipe length in and secured to said cabinet, a pressure reducing regulator pendently supported in the cabinet to one side of said pipe length, means providing detachable operative communication between the tank and the regulator, and between the regulator and said conto said conduit line, and means carried by said regulator and pipe length to confine the swinging movement of said regulator to narrow limits,

to facilitate attachment and detachment of the regulator with respect to the tank, and to avoid damage to said flexible-tubing.

10. In consumers liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of an upright cabinet, a tank for high pressure liquefied gas below and at least partially enclosed in said cabinet, a consumers conduit line for low pressure gas including a pipe length in and secured to said cabinet, a pressure reducing regulator pendently supported in the cabinet to .one side of the pipe length, means providing detachable operative communication between the tank and the regulator, and between the regulator and said conduit line to deliver gas to the latter at' a reduced pressure over that in the tank, said means including aflexible length of tubing between the regulator and conduit line, whereby the regulator may be moved about without disrupting flow of gas to said conduit line, an eyemember carried by said, regulator, and a, vertical arm carried by said pipe length, extending freely thru the eye, to confine the swinging movement ,of said regulator to, narrow limits, to facilitate attachment and detachment of the regulator with respect to the tank, and to avoid damage to said flexible tubing.

11. In consumers liquefied gas storage and.

utilization equipment, the combination of a cabinet having an opening and a closure for the opening, a tank for high pressure liquefied gas,.

a consumers conduit line for low pressure gas extending into said cabinet, a pressure reducing regulator in said cabinet confronting the inside face of said cabinet closure, said pressure reducing regulator operatively connected to said tank and conduit line to deliver gas from the former to the latter at a low pressure, and a'low'pressure relief valve in the cabinet to the rear of said regulator and in communication with said conduit line.

12. In consumers liquefied gas storage and utilization equipment, the combination of a tank for high pressure liquefied gas; a consumers conduit line for low pressure gas; a pendently supported pressure reducing regulator; means providing detachable operative communication between the tank and regulator to suspend the latter from the former, and an operable communication between the regulator and conduit line, to deliver gas to the latter at a reduced pressure over that in the tank, said means including a flexible length of tubing between the regulator and conduit line, whereby the regulator may be moved about without disrupting flow of gas to said conduit line; and means to confine the swinging movement of said regulator to narrow limits, to facilitate attachment and detachment of the tank with respect to the regulator and to avoid damage to said flexible tubing.

PAUL S. ENDACO'I'T. 

